Genealogy Chat

Hi , Hi, I have received a birth certificate this morning which confirms the mother of my gt.grandmother, but am still confused. Elizabeth Dawson was born in Barney, nr Walsingham in Norfolk in 1838 to Lang and Ann Dawson formerly Wright. I have found their marriage in 1836 but in 1841 Lang and Elizabeth are with Maria Hull who in later census becomes Maria Dawson. I did wonder if Ann had died in childbirth or soon after but can't find a likely death around that time. I wondered if anyone knows if divorce was common in mid-1800s because I have found two possible deaths of Ann Wright at ages 74 and 79. Any other suggestions would be welcomed. Jo

Bigamy was as common as death, and MUCH more common than divorce, which was horrendously expensive, and only obtainable by Act of Parliament, pre 1860 something. OC

Wow, I wasn't expecting that. But why would Elizabeth be with her father and second wife rather than mother? Dozens of reasons I expect. Jo

Well, she probably did die, you just havent found the death yet - death registration wasn't compulsory, and she may not have died where you think she did. Or maybe she didnt die, just cleared off - dad would have told his daughter that her mum had died, a fairly necessary lie if he intended getting married again. Have you got both these marriage records? I mean - did he definitely marry the first one AND the second one? What does he say is his status on the second marriage? OC

OC No, I haven't seen any proof of a second marriage, but I forgot that it would give info on marital condition. Thanks for your thoughts. I suppose I should be satisfied that I have confirmation that Ann was Elizabeth's mother but Marie obviously brought her up and would have been a big influence. Jo.

Caution - IF bigamy was involved marital status on the marriage cert may not be kosher. We have a case on wife's tree. Keith

Yes, so do I. However, I can't see a marriage for Lang and Maria on FreeBMD. Maybe they just lived together as man and wife.

Jo, What about this death? Deaths Jun 1840 (>99%) DAWSON Ann Walsingham 13 147 Rose

Rose Thanks. 1840 would tie in nicely as Marie turns up in 1841 still using maiden name. I guess that certificate would be useful. What does (>99%) mean in your message? Jo

Jo, That's from FreeBMD. It means that year is 99% transcribed. Rose

Thanks Rose. Jo

Keith et al Sorry, I meant that if his condition on the second marriage was widower, then you should have a thorough hunt for a death, but still bearing in mind he could be lying. If he says bachelor, then you can reasonably assume that any previous wife isn't dead! Hope that makes sense??!! However, it looks as if her death has been found, so no bigamy involved. I do apologise to your ancestors! OC

No offence taken OC....seemed interesting for a while. However, as my father is named after Lang I would prefer to find he was loving and law-abiding! Jo